Obstructed Oceanview

The Obstructed Oceanview stateroom is approximately 183 to 190 square feet and features the same fine amenities as our Oceanview stateroom, but the view from the picture window is either fully or partially obstructed. Some also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.

These features and fine amenities are standard in the Obstructed Oceanview stateroom:

Picture window (fully or partially obstructed)

Twin beds that convert to a queen size bed*

Private bathroom with shower

Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion

100% Egyptian cotton linens

Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk

110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings

Daily housekeeping service

Nightly turn-down service

*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.

Oceanview Stateroom

The Oceanview stateroom is approximately 183 to 194 square feet and features a picture window for memorable views. The Oceanview stateroom is richly appointed with fine amenities. Some also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.

These features and fine amenities are standard in the Oceanview stateroom:

Picture window

Twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed*

Private bathroom with shower

Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion

100% Egyptian cotton linens

Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk

110V AC electrical outlet with U.S. plug fittings

Daily housekeeping service

Nightly turn-down service

*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.

Premium Oceanview Stateroom

Photo coming soon

The Premium Oceanview stateroom is approximately 200 square feet and features a forward-facing cabin for memorable views. The Premium Oceanview stateroom is richly appointed with fine amenities.

These features and fine amenities are standard in the Premium Oceanview stateroom:

Twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed*

Private bathroom with shower

Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion

100% Egyptian cotton linens

Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk

110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings

Daily housekeeping service

Nightly turn-down service

*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.

Balcony Stateroom

The spacious approximately 237-square-foot Balcony stateroom is appointed with fine amenities and outstanding views from an approximately 46-square-foot private balcony. Some staterooms also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.

These features and fine amenities are standard in the Balcony stateroom:

Balcony with patio furniture

Twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed*

Private bathroom with shower

Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion

100% Egyptian cotton linens

Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk

110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings

Daily housekeeping service

Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow

*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.

Premium Balcony Stateroom

The spacious 237 to 277-square-foot Premium Balcony stateroom is appointed with the same fine amenities as our Balcony stateroom. Select staterooms feature a large balcony of 88 square feet and/or have a rear-facing balcony from which to enjoy dramatic wake views. Some staterooms also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.

These features and fine amenities are standard in the Premium Balcony stateroom:

Balcony with patio furniture

Twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed*

Private bathroom with shower

Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion

100% Egyptian cotton linens

Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk

110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings

Daily housekeeping service

Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow

*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.

Mini-Suite With Balcony

The luxurious Mini-Suite offers approximately 354 square feet of comfort and a separate seating area with a sofa bed for lounging or sleeping a third passenger. The spacious balcony is approximately 80 square feet and the bathroom offers a combination tub and shower. Some Mini-Suites also have a pullman bed to accommodate a 4th passenger.

These features and fine amenities are standard in a Mini-Suite stateroom:

Welcome glass of champagne

Separate seating area with a sofabed

Balcony with patio furniture

Twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed*

Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow

Two flat-panel televisions

Private bathroom with combination tub and shower

Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion

100% Egyptian cotton linens

Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk

110-volt, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings

Daily housekeeping service

*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a qeen size bed.

Club Class Mini-Suite with Balcony

Available on Sapphire Princess from 07 Jan 2017. Club Class Mini-Suites feature the same great amenities as the standard Mini-Suites, but with exclusive VIP touches. This includes the delicious temptation of exclusive Club Class Dining privileges, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and the new Princess Luxury Bed, designed by leading experts in both the science and beauty of sleep.

Upgraded Amenities & Services

Exclusive Club Class Dining for dinner each night, plus breakfast and lunch on sea days

The Princess Luxury Bed

Priority Embarkation & Disembarkation at the beginning and end of your cruise

Full access to the Priority Disembarkation Lounge

Complimentary one time wine set-up on embarkation day, 1/2 bottle of red and 1/2 bottle of white

Complimentary Premium Evening Canapés (upon request)

Upgraded Terry Shawl Bathrobes

Plus the Standard Mini-suite Benefits

Stateroom

Spacious staterooms up to 323 square feet with balcony

Upgraded balcony with patio furniture (table and two chairs)

Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors

Separate seating area with coffee table and a sofa bed

Bathroom

Private bathroom with combination tub and shower

Massage shower head

Shampoo, conditioner and body lotion

100% Egyptian Cotton Terry Towels

Food & Beverage

Welcome glass of champagne

Fruit Basket (upon request)

Refrigerator

Services

Twice daily housekeeping service

Evening bed turn-down with chocolates on your pillow

Accessories

Two 42” flat-panel satellite televisions

Hair Dryer

Phone & Desk

Tote Bag

Digital Security Safe

110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings

Suite with Balcony

Twin beds that make up into a queen-size bed. Separate sitting area with sofa bed and desk. Expansive balcony. Two televisions. Refrigerator with wet bar. Walk-in closet. Bathroom with separate tub and shower. Approximately 525 to 706 square feet, including balcony.

** Suites on ships with Video On Demand will not offer DVD/CD players and access to DVD library
†† Available on cruises 6 days or longer.

Multiple Decks

Interior Stateroom - Category IF

Multiple Decks

Interior Stateroom - Category IE

Multiple Decks

Interior Stateroom - Category ID

Multiple Decks

Interior Stateroom - Category IC

Multiple Decks

Interior Stateroom - Category IB

Multiple Decks

Interior Stateroom - Category IA

Emerald Deck 8

Obstructed Oceanview - Category OZ

Multiple Decks

Obstructed Oceanview - Category OY

Emerald Deck 8

Obstructed Oceanview - Category OW

Emerald Deck 8

Obstructed Oceanview - Category OV

Multiple Decks

Oceanview Stateroom - Category OF

Plaza Deck 5

Oceanview Stateroom - Category OC

Multiple Decks

Premium Oceanview Stateroom Category O5

Multiple Decks

Balcony Stateroom - Category BF

Multiple Decks

Balcony Stateroom - Category BE

Multiple Decks

Balcony Stateroom - Category BD

Multiple Decks

Balcony Stateroom - Category BC

Multiple Decks

Balcony Stateroom - Category BB

Baja Deck 11

Balcony Stateroom - Category BA

Multiple Decks

Premium Balcony Stateroom - Category B4

Caribe Deck 10

Premium Balcony Stateroom - Category B2

Multiple Decks

Mini Suite with Balcony - Category ME

Dolphin Deck 9

Mini Suite with Balcony - Category MD

Dolphin Deck 9

Mini Suite with Balcony - Category MB

Dolphin Deck 9

Club Mini-Suite with Balcony Category M1

Multiple Decks

Vista Suite - Category S6

Multiple Decks

Premium Suite - Category S5

Caribe Deck 10

Penthouse Suite - Category S4

Multiple Decks

Penthouse Suite - Category S3

Baja Deck 11

Owner's Suite - Category S2

Baja Deck 11

Grand Suite - Category S1

Please note: All prices featured are per person (unless otherwise stated),
and include non commission fares (taxes, fees and port expenses).
Prices and availability are subject to change due to changes made by the Cruise Companies.
Prices quoted are based on payments made via BPAY or bank transfer.
Visa and Mastercard payments incur a 1.5% transaction fee.

Dine with the same waitstaff and tablemates each evening in the same dining room. Choose from two seating options at 5:30pm and 7:45pm. Or just like a restaurant on land, dine when and with whom you wish anytime from 5:30pm to 10:00pm, in elegant, upscale venues.

*Crafted by Curtis Stone* Savour fresh new cuisine designed by award-winning Chef Curtis Stone during every voyage. Be enticed by dishes featuring delicious meats and seafood, fresh produce and vibrant, bold flavours.

Club Class Dining (Only available for Club Class and Full Suite guests)

An exclusive area of the Main Dining Room for Club Class and Full Suite guests featuring expedited seating with minimal to no wait. Enjoy expanded menu options, dedicated waitstaff, uniquely styled decor, table-side preparation and more!

Alfredo's Pizzeria

Named for Master Chef, Alfredo Marzi and voted "Best Pizza at Sea" by USA TODAY, this charming sit-down venue offers an enticing menu of freshly prepared individual-size pizzas along with beer and wines by the glass. The open kitchen design allows you to watch as the chefs create pizza by hand and serve them straight out of the oven.

Horizon Court (Buffet)

A tantalizing selection that changes throughout the day, to satisfy the most discriminating palate

Trident Grill

Grilled Burgers and Hot Dogs to Go. Burgers are flipping and the hotdogs roasting, served with a variety of toppings and crisp fries. Veggie burgers, bratwurst and grilled chicken breast are also served and all are sure to hit the spot when you are relaxing out on deck.

International Cafe

Open 24-hours a day, the International Café located in the Piazza is the place for an ever-changing array of small bite meals, treats and gourmet beverages. Grab a freshly baked croissant to start your day, snack on pies and quiche or choose from a wide variety of salads and sandwiches at lunchtime, and indulge in decadent desserts in the evening. Coffee and tea fans will love the New Grounds Crafted Coffee menu featuring a variety of specialty espresso-based drinks made from a custom blend of coffee beans, as well as iced tea fusions.

Dining on board a Princess® cruise ship is a joyful celebration and our specialty restaurants always deliver an extraordinary experience. They are among the best at sea – or anywhere. We serve dishes made with the freshest ingredients, and our menus reflect regional flavors from around the world. You'll find our specialty restaurants are the perfect place to celebrate any occasion.

Sabatini's Italian Trattoria

Treasured family recipes curated from our Italian chefs inspire the menu at this specialty restaurant. You are welcomed into a modern interior with a rustic flavor. Unique, handmade pasta courses, prepared fresh daily, invite you to experience the culinary magic of Chef Angelo Auriana - executive chef of renowned Los Angeles restaurants The Factory Kitchen and officine BRERA—who delights in sharing the Northern Italian flavors of his hometown, Bergamo. Additional charge applies.

Sterling Steakhouse

Sterling Steakhouse serves the highest quality cuts of premium, grain-fed beef including New York strip steak, Porterhouse and Filet Mignon. Voted among the “Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses” by USA TODAY. You’ll delight at the selection of meats presented for your choice, or perhaps you’ll opt for fresh seafood selections, such as tiger prawns and sea bass, all prepared to your exact specifications. Additional charge applies.

Chefs Table

Taking dining to a new level, the Chef’s Table Experience includes pre-dinner cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the galley for you and a limited number of fellow guests. After your executive chef describes the specially designed menu for the night, participants are escorted to an intimate table for the main course, including pairing suggestions. Each couple receives a personalized autographed copy of Princess’ best-selling cookbook, a handwritten copy of the special menu and a complimentary photo.

Churchill Lounge

The Beachhouse

The Lodge

The Treehouse

Calypso Pool & Reef

Bars and Lounges

Crooners Bar

A classic 1960s-style martini bar based on the Las Vegas "Rat Pack" era. Offers a full menu of more than 50 creative specialty martinis. Talented mixologists impress with their cocktail-making prowess and tequila and whisky tastings that will turn you into a connoisseur.

Wheelhouse Bar

With Nautical themed paintings and overstuffed leather chairs, relax among the heritage from Princess lines P&O history.

Churchills Lounge

Churchill’s is a hidden gem where the cozy, pub-like atmosphere invites cigar and cigarette smokers to sit down with a refreshing drink, their favourite smoke and enjoy the evening.

Club Fusion

One of three main lounges onboard, this nightclub/cabaret features a high-tech look and capabilities, including 42 high-definition video screens. Karaoke contests, live performances and theme-parties like “60s British Invasion” are just a few of the nightly events that will have you on your feet.

Skywalkers Nightclub

Hot music and cool cocktails set to a DJ spinning popular club tunes is the ideal setting for a night of dancing. Gleaming, ultra modern and ultra cool, this hot spot invites a little stargazing while the colourful neon dance floor invites everyone to get up and boogie down. Boasting panoramic views from its vantage point 15 decks above the sea, it’s the perfect place for dancing and socializing.

Other bars that can be found around the ship include:

Explorers Lounge

Vines Wine Bar

Outrigger Bar

Calypso (Pool) Bar

The Mermaids Tail (Pool) Bar

Oasis (Sports Deck) Bar

Tradewinds Bar

Kids Club

There are plenty of exciting activities onboard Diamond Princessfor passengers ages 3 to 17. The Youth Centers and Teen Lounges are staffed by experienced counselors, who are ready to ensure the youngest cruisers stay happy all day long. They can choose from art projects, game tables, the latest movies, pizza parties, talent shows, video games, and much more.

Youth Centres - Ages 3-12

Princess Pelicans (3 - 7 yrs) - Little ones will want to stay all day while counselors entertain them with:

Teen Lounges (13 - 17 yrs)

This Teens-only exclusive lounge is the ideal place for passengers ages 13 - 17 to make new friends while enjoying all of the coolest amenities including Wii games, music and foosball tables and also exciting events as below:

Entertainment

Princess Theatre

The Princess Theatre offers two shows each evening, that change daily. Offering Broadway at Sea with classics, popular hits original numbers.

Casino

The Grand Casino offers a wide variety of gaming machines and table games. The casino will not be open when in port.
Daily Tournamnets are also held.

Movies under the Stars

Day time or Night time watch a feature film, concert or sports game on the Big Screen on the pool deck. Feast on complimentary popcorn or cookies and stay comfortable with fleece blankets in the evening.

Sanctuary

A luxurious Adult only retreat located on deck 16 offers you the chance to completely unwind and relax.

Serenity Stewards will attend to your every need, from getting you drinks and meals to spraying you with Evian water atmizers.

Massages are available in in the two outdoor private cabanas.

Half-day passes for The Sanctuary are available for $20 per person, for 8 am to 12:30 pm or 1 pm to 5:30 pm or later. Guests choosing to indulge with an outdoor massage may also enjoy an hour’s use of The Sanctuary area after their treatment.

Ship info

Sapphire Princess is a jewel on the high seas - filled with innovative features and luxurious amenities. Swim in one of four sparkling pools, shop the boutiques or get a massage in the Lotus Spa. Dine casually on pizza and burgers or more elegantly in one of the many formal dining rooms and specialty restaurants. And with nearly 740 balcony staterooms, there's a room with a view for you.

Vessel: Sapphire Princess

Year: 2004

Beam: 123

Crew: 1,099

Gross Tonnage: 113,000

Onboard Currency: USD

Passenger Capacity: 2,600

Refurbished: 2018

24-Hour Room Service

All Main Meals Included

Art Auctions

Chapel

Coin Operated Laundry

Dance Classes

Duty Free Shopping

Florist

Guest Entertainers

Internet Facilities

Jogging Track

Live Music

Photographer

Quiet Library

Security Safe in Cabin

Themed Party Nights

Decks

Sapphire Princess - Deck Plans

Cruise reviews

"Wonderful"

This was our best cruise so far andfIns we look forward to sailing with Princess again as they looked after us and treated us special from start to finish. Booking the cruise was simple and we were kept well informed prior to our travels. The entertainment, the presentation of the ship, the quality of the venues, the magnificent staff/crew and the great ports of call made this near enough to perfect in every way, so our thanks to everyone from booking, to boarding to sailing to disembarking, exceptional.

"Best way to see the world"

Cruising is the best way to see the world. Once on board a cruise ship - you can have a really enjoyable holiday without spending another cent if you wish. Your accommodation, meals, travel and entertainment are all included in the price of your fare. You don't have to spend another cent if you don't wish to, any additional spending is totally discretional. You get to go to different destinations. If you don't like it, you are only there for a day. If you love it, you can go back for a longer holiday if you wish - but at least you aren't stuck in a destination, on a holiday, that you hate.
There are always plenty of activities being conducted on board a cruise ship. You can do as much or as little as you want - the only problem is you do have to leave your cabin.
There is such an array of food and dining options to suit all needs. You can eat buffet style, you can eat in a dining room and order off the menu, you can just go for pizza if you want. You can choose anytime dining, or you can have set dining times, or reserve a table.
There are always activities being conducted throughout the ship, from trivia and games events, art auctions, dance lessons, bingo, destination talks, movies, live productions, fitness sessions, educational sessions â€“ the possibilities are endless.
If you donâ€™t like being held to a timetable of activities, you can grab a board game to play, a book to read from the library, meet up with friends for a coffee, do a gym workout, meet friends for a game of cards, or watch a movie in your stateroom. You can just lie around one of the many pools and sunbake or swim.
There are always a number of bars and restaurants and they all have their own unique style, so you do have variety.
For me, cruising is the best way to holiday as it offers such fantastic value for money. I love it. Next cruise, Iâ€™ll be off to New Zealand.

"Good cruise"

We have enjoyed the cruise very much . It was very very relaxing holiday. Everything you need it was there. We had a very good weather thanks to our God . We have enjoyed a beautiful views of things God has created for us. The food was really good and lots of variety to choose from. The crew were helpful. The ship is very clean . The entertainment were not really good but was okay.
The places we visited with really good we wish if we could stayed there longer. I love to go again and visited the same placess again and again.
I was happy as a Christian to find a bible study group in the ship and I wish if were more people coming and join us.
My husband involved in the ping ping tournament and he won 3 times that was fun for them even the price was only a little souvenir but most importantly the fun the he had.
My 12 years old son tried the kids club once but he didn't like it much
Overall it was a good cruise thanks to our lord .
Princes has a good customer service and membership award program. We will go with them again

Frequently asked questions

Cruising is such a great value holiday as your fare includes accommodations, all main meals onboard ship, onboard daytime activities, and night-time entertainment including live stage shows. One reason cruising is good value is because you'll know what most of your holiday will cost before you go. Generally your only extra onboard expenses could be your beverages (though these are sometimes included on luxury ships), optional shore excursions, personal services such as spa treatments, and any purchases at the gift and duty free shops.

All your main meals are included on a cruise. Typically for breakfast, lunch and dinner there is an a la carte option (order from a menu) or a buffet option. There is so much choice available, and the food is excellent. However, your cruise doesn't always just include these 3 main meals. You can in fact eat non-stop for 24 hours a day if you like.

Most cruise lines also offer specialty dining as an alternative option to the main restaurants. There is typically a small cover charge for this. However, the food is well worth it, and the specialty restaurants are normally smaller and more intimate than the main restaurants so they make for a great place to celebrate a special occasion.

The entertainment on board comes in many different styles and formats but is always included in the cruise fare. In the evening there are shows in the main show lounge (except small ship cruising). Typically there are two sessions a night so, depending on your dinner time, you can always catch the show. The style of these shows changes daily. Some nights it will include all of the ship’s entertainment crew with a Las Vegas style production. Other nights there may be a guest entertainer or comedian. There is something for everyone.

The entertainment doesn't stop with the nightly performances. Each night the ship provides a newsletter detailing all the activities that will take place the following day. These activities may include dance classes, arts and crafts, table tennis, live music, tournaments, trivia quizzes, recent release movies, and other deck games and deck parties. The great thing about a cruise is that you can do as much or as little as you like. If your idea of a holiday is sitting back with a good book, you can do that. If you like to be entertained there is no shortage of entertainment.

One of the main reasons for a cruise making such a great family holiday is the “kids club” facilities offered on board, and they are all included in your cruise fare. Typically the kids clubs are broken into 3 different age groups - 3 to 6 years, 7 to 12 years, and 13 – 17 years. In these dedicated children’s facilities they are looked after by trained staff and the facilities are open from 9am – 10pm. Parents can check their children into the “kids club” whenever it suits them. Children love these facilities as it is “their space” aboard the ship.

NB Each cruise line has limited space on board the ship for children as the kids club facilities can cater for a limited number of children, and any child booked onto a cruise has access to the kids club. If you are planning on taking a cruise during the school holidays then you need to book early as the children's space will sell out. Also, while most cruise lines have kids club facilities there are some exceptions (not common) so you should check this at time of booking.

The chances are you will not get seasick. On a cruise most people do not suffer from motion sickness. However, if you are going to get seasick then it is likely to happen in the first 24 hours. If you limit the amount of alcohol you consume and activities you do in the first 24 hours you can reduce the chance of this happening. Another thing you can do is select a midship cabin on a lower deck. A cabin in the middle of the ship (midship) will experience the least amount of movement.

There are a number of other precautions/medications you can take, and these can be purchased before you travel at a pharmacy or health shop. Otherwise you can buy them on board.

The best thing you can do if you feel seasick is visit the ship’s doctor. They can give you an injection that will give you relief from your seasickness within 30 minutes. You have planned and saved for your holiday, don't ruin it by feeling sick. Visit the doctor for the injection and get it treated straight away. If you have travel insurance then you can claim this back.

IMPORTANT: A visit to the doctor on board will cost you money so we strongly recommend you get travel insurance before you depart on your holiday.

Terms and conditions for this cruise

Frequently Asked Questions

Shore excursions are pre-organised tours & sightseeing options that you purchase on board for when your ship is in a port of call. Every ship has a “Shore Ex” desk with qualified staff who can advise you of different excursions available, what’s best to do and generally help you with information on the particular region your ship is visiting.

Shore excursions can be booked on board your ship however some cruise lines allow you to pre-book and pay for excursions online. If there is a tour you really want to do then we recommend you pre-book it as popular tours do sell out.

Shore excursions are not compulsory, you are free to go ashore and return to the ship as many times as you like.

When you go ashore it is important to note:
You must take your cruise I.D. card (ticket) as proof for re-embarking.
The city or town you are visiting may not be close to the port where the ship is docked, cruise lines normally organise shuttle buses (at a minimal charge) throughout the day to and from the city centre.
You must return to the ship at the stipulated time as the ship WILL NOT wait for late passengers.

Tour costs vary depending on the activity, itinerary and inclusions. There is always a wide variety on offer for all age groups and abilities that can start from as little as $25.

Sometimes you can book your tour, when you arrive at your port, direct from the operator at a much cheaper price. However, this comes with a buyer beware warning. The operators used by the cruise line are trusted professionals so you will not be ripped off. Also, if something goes wrong on your tour, the cruise line knows where you are and will take the necessary steps to pick you up if your vehicle has broken down. In extreme cases they will even hold the ship's departure for you if you are late returning from a tour booked through the ship. They will not wait if you go direct through the operator, as they will not know where you are.

Unlike airlines, there are no luggage restrictions on a cruise. However you need to consider that you need to store it in your cabin for your holiday. There is plenty of storage space in your cabin but if you are travelling in a quad cabin you may want to impose your own restrictions.

NB It is important to remember that airlines have different luggage restrictions, so if you are flying either pre or post cruise then you may want to keep within their allowances.

Cruise lines around the world do not all operate using the same onboard currency. The currency varies from cruise line to cruise line with the most common currency being US dollars. P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Spirit and the Sun and Dawn Princess all use Australian dollars as their onboard currency.

Cruising is a cashless society which means when you purchase anything on board you do not pay for it in cash. When you board the ship it is like checking into a hotel, you can either give a credit card imprint or the cruise line will take a cash deposit of approximately $300. You are then given a “cruise card”. Your cruise card is your door key (on most ships), has your dinner table number on it (for traditional dining), and it is used for making any purchases aboard.

When you make a purchase with your cruise card, it is swiped and a receipt is printed that you will need to sign. The cost of the purchase is then added to your onboard account which you settle at the end of your cruise.

Many cruises on our websites come with onboard credits. This could be from a special promotion that is being run by the cruise line or because of the relationship we have with the cruise lines that allows us to select certain cruises to receive onboard credit. The amount of onboard credit does normally depend on the length of the cruise.

If your reservation receives onboard credit we will confirm this with you in writing and then your onboard account will automatically be in credit for the amount we have confirmed to you. This credit can be used towards any onboard expenditure that is charged back to your cabin. It is important to note that if you do not spend all of your onboard credit it will not be refunded to you in cash so it is best you spend it all while on board.

Tipping/gratuities are a big issue for a lot of Australasian cruise passengers as it is not our custom to reward good service in this way. What cruise passengers need to consider is that outside of Australasia, the remuneration for personnel in the service industry is quite low. Hence, to keep up a high standard, employees have the incentive of earning additional income via the tips they receive. At the end of the day, how much you tip is up to you.

The most common way cruise lines suggest tipping, is that they add a suggested amount to your daily onboard account. You can choose to keep that on your account or you can ask the purser to remove it. This suggested amount is divided out amongst your cabin steward, your dinner waiter, your assistant waiter, your wine steward, and maitre d’.

Some cruise lines ask passengers to wait until the end of the cruise and they discreetly leave an envelope in your cabin in which to place the appropriate amount. Some cruise lines state that the fare you have paid includes gratuities. Some cruise lines ask that you pre-pay the gratuities with your cruise fare prior to your holiday departure.

Again, the amount you tip is up to you (unless it is prepaid) and it isn't intended to have a negative impact on your holiday. Do what feels most comfortable to you.

The rules surrounding where you can smoke on board a cruise ship vary from cruise line to cruise line. However, none have taken steps to ban smoking completely. Most only allow smoking in designated areas on the open decks. Many have banned smoking on cabin balconies as this poses a fire risk.

Many cruise lines have rules restricting you from taking your own alcohol on board your cruise ship. If you have pre purchased duty free alcohol the ship will take it off you when you board and store it away for you. This alcohol will be delivered to your cabin the night before you disembark. The same applies if you purchase it when you are in port. Any purchases made on board will also be delivered the night before you disembark.

However, Princess Cruises will allow you to bring a bottle of wine aboard which you can drink at dinner or in your cabin.

These restrictions were put in place to create a safer environment on board your cruise ship, where people drink within a controlled drinking environment.